5. THE PARABLE OF THE HIDDEN TREASURE - NetBibleStudy.com

The Seven Kingdom Parables of Matthew 13 82. The second parable, "the parables of the wheat and the tares," shows the work ofSatan in his seeking to destroy God's rule in the believer's life3. The third parable, "the parable of the mustard seed," reveals the giant-likemonstrosity of an "outward" growth, which is only man's work and was never theintent or purpose of God's kingdom.4. The fourth parables, "the parable of leaven," warns of the "inward" invasion ofcorruption to destroy the real purpose of Christ's kingdom.The last three parables were not spoken to the multitude,but, rather, they were spoken to Jesus' disciples only andthey treat the internal, hidden aspects of the kingdom ofheaven.5. The fifth parable, "the parable of the hidden treasure," shows "the kingdom ofGod" as a precious treasure, hidden, to be revealed sometime later.6. The sixth parable, "the parable of the pearl of great price," we see that "thekingdom of God" is a process Christ Jesus takes the believer through in order todevelop worth and potential.When the student comes to this seventh parable, he finds that it is quite unlike the othersix parable. It has a distinct message that we would do well to understand. This seventh parableis bringing the kingdom of God to the conclusion, the climax, in its earthly purpose. In a sense,this seventh parable, "the parable of the fish net," amplifies the other six parables.Up to this point of the seven parables, " one" man is at work, sowing the good-seed,seeking a treasure and a pearl of great price, however, now, for the first time, the pronoun "they"is introduced . . . "Which, when it (the net) was full, they (the fishermen) drew to shore . . ."[Matthew 13:48].Jesus said, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Followers of Christ are the"human instruments" whom God uses to establish His kingdom. They have been commanded "togo into all the world and preach the Gospel (that is, proclaim the Good News of the kingdom).They are to "cast the net" and the object of the "net" is simply to draw out "good fish."The "sea," as we have seen, represents all humanity, standing for "peoples, multitudesand nations" (Revelation 17:15).The "fishermen" are those who are used of God to draw, or gather, the good fish.It is interesting to note that the inconspicuousness of these "fishermen." in this parable.They are not even mentioned in verse 47, and verse 48 only refers to them as "they" - (that is inthe King James Translation of the New Testament).The "net" surely must be referring to professing Christendom, those who appear to be apart of the kingdom of God, because they gather in the "good and bad." However, in the end, thegreat separation takes place.